Courtyard House: Passing through the Silly Pillar, Activating the Blessed Cave Heaven

23

Seeing her father nod in agreement, He Yushui happily followed Erni out to play.

After exchanging a few polite words with Wu Baotian, He Yuzhu stood quietly to the side and listened.

Not long after, Wu Baotian's wife served hot tea and then left.

He Yuzhu's gaze passed through the window glass and landed on the courtyard—a well-organized courtyard house with three main rooms on the north side and two side rooms. The east and west wing rooms stood symmetrically, and the south-facing building and the main gate in the southeast corner formed a complete courtyard layout.

He thought to himself: Chef Wu, who can cook at Fengzeyuan, must be from a very wealthy family. Such a house is definitely not something an ordinary family can afford.

After chatting with Wu Baotian for a while, He Daqing suddenly pointed to He Yuzhu and said, "Senior brother, this is my son He Yuzhu, nicknamed Zhuzi."

I brought him here today specifically for you to see him. What do you think of this child?

Wu Baotian carefully examined He Yuzhu from head to toe. Seeing that the young man was sturdy and indeed a good prospect for learning to cook, he nodded and said, "Since we have already agreed on our relationship as fellow disciples, today I will formally accept Zhu'er as my apprentice."

However, there is something I need to make clear to you—last year, Fengzeyuan was embroiled in a huge controversy over wages. After Manager Luan lost the case, many of the veteran workers left, leaving only Zheng Fuxiang to hold things together.

Although Manager Luan has asked me to take charge, he is an overbearing and domineering person, and sooner or later he will cause trouble again.

"There's no problem with Zhu'er learning from me, but when he graduates, he'll probably have to find another way to make a living."

"It's still a long way from him being fully trained," He Daqing quickly said, cupping his hands in greeting. "It's his good fortune that you're willing to take this unruly child in."

I checked the almanac this morning, and it's an auspicious day for the apprenticeship ceremony. The incense, candles, and tuition fees are all prepared. Why don't we hold the ceremony today?

Wu Baotian stroked his beard, nodded in agreement, and turned to call his wife, Liu E.

Not long after, Liu E led her children in one after another. Her eldest daughter stood respectfully to the side, holding a tea set in her hands.

Wu Baotian took his seat on the left side of the main hall, while Liu E sat on the right, and a traditional apprenticeship ceremony began.

He Yuzhu held the apprenticeship certificate and knelt respectfully in front of Wu Baotian. After performing the three kneelings and nine kowtows, he presented the apprenticeship certificate with both hands.

After Wu Baotian accepted the apprenticeship certificate, he solemnly said, "Today I voluntarily become your disciple. I will definitely follow your teachings and diligently practice my culinary skills to live up to your expectations." At this moment, Wu Baotian's eldest daughter came over with a tea tray. He Yuzhu picked up the teacup, offered it with both hands, and said, "Master, please have some tea." Wu Baotian took a small sip and put the teacup back on the table.

He Yuzhu picked up the second cup of tea and offered it to his teacher's wife, Liu E. Liu E also took a sip and put the teacup down.

He Yuzhu presented the prepared red envelope and tuition fee. After handing these to his wife, Wu Baotian admonished He Yuzhu, saying, "Now that you have become my disciple, you must be diligent and hardworking, and learn the craft earnestly. You must not cheat or take shortcuts." After saying this, he stood up, walked to the statue of Yi Ya in the main room, burned three sticks of incense, and reported the matter of accepting a disciple to the patriarch.

After the apprenticeship ceremony, the Wu family hosted a banquet for the He family father and son.